Healthcare Provider Update: Vulcan Materials Company utilizes the services of various healthcare providers, primarily focusing on employer-sponsored health plans to offer coverage to its employees. This means that healthcare costs for these employees are directly influenced by the company's insurance choices and market conditions. As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are predicted to see significant escalations-especially for those covered under plans tied to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Record premium increases, with 2026 projected hikes exceeding 60% in certain states, are anticipated due to a combination of factors including skyrocketing medical expenses and the likely expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. Vulcan Materials employees, along with many others, may face a drastic increase in out-of-pocket costs, with estimates suggesting a rise of up to 75% for those reliant on ACA marketplace insurance. This forthcoming burden highlights the need for careful evaluation of health benefits and proactive financial planning as 2026 approaches. Click here to learn more
Most Vulcan Materials employees have already heard of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, if they or someone they know has plans to attend a college, career school, or university. Last year, around 70% of families submitted a FAFSA to the Department of Education to secure financial assistance. But what many prospective and current students may overlook are the various federal grants awarded to students in need each year.
Granted value
Most federal grants, unlike loans, function as sources of funding. There are some exceptions, though. For example, if a student is awarded a grant, but withdraws from the program in which they’re enrolled, they may be required to pay back all or a portion of that grant.
Know your grants
The Department of Education offers multiple aid packages as part of the Federal Student Grant Program and all Vulcan Materials employees should be aware of them. The following four are granted most often, and each has different requirements for eligibility. The information below applies to the 2023-2024 academic year:
- Federal Pell Grants - With a maximum award of $6,895, Pell Grants are reserved for undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree yet.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEO) - FSEO Grants award a maximum of $4,000 to those who demonstrate exceptional need and have not yet earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. FSEO Grants also give priority to Pell Grant recipients over other applicants.
- Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants - These grants award a maximum of $6,895, and they’re only for students whose parent or guardian served in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and died while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11.
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants - TEACH Grants award a maximum of $4,000, and they’re reserved for students who are enrolled in teaching preparation programs and agree to teach for a minimum of 4 years at the elementary or secondary school level in a high-need field.
FAFSA Required
Featured Video
Articles you may find interesting:
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
No matter who you are or your financial situation, you may want to consider submitting a FAFSA. After all, the grants listed above do require recipients to have an application on file with the Department of Education. And who knows? The potential financial benefit that you as a Vulcan Materials employee could secure may surprise you.
- Finder.com, 2019
- StudentAid.gov, 2020
What type of retirement plan does Vulcan Materials offer to its employees?
Vulcan Materials offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to help employees save for retirement.
Does Vulcan Materials provide a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, Vulcan Materials provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to specific terms.
What is the minimum age requirement to participate in Vulcan Materials' 401(k) Savings Plan?
Employees must be at least 21 years old to participate in Vulcan Materials' 401(k) Savings Plan.
How can employees enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan at Vulcan Materials?
Employees can enroll in the 401(k) Savings Plan at Vulcan Materials through the company’s benefits portal or by contacting the HR department.
What are the contribution limits for the Vulcan Materials 401(k) plan?
Contribution limits for the Vulcan Materials 401(k) plan align with IRS regulations, which may change annually.
Can employees of Vulcan Materials take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, Vulcan Materials allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.
What investment options are available in Vulcan Materials' 401(k) Savings Plan?
Vulcan Materials offers a variety of investment options within the 401(k) Savings Plan, including mutual funds and target-date funds.
Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Vulcan Materials' 401(k) plan?
Yes, Vulcan Materials has a vesting schedule for the company match, which outlines when employees fully own the matched contributions.
How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the Vulcan Materials 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution amounts to the Vulcan Materials 401(k) plan at any time, subject to specific deadlines.
What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Vulcan Materials?
If you leave Vulcan Materials, you have several options for your 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to another retirement account or cashing it out.